I was navigating the ship as we approach Rio de Janeiro today and checking on the radar, three other cruise ships, one on my port side and two on my starboard side, were also heading towards Rio Pilot Station. Checking on the AIS (Automatic Identification System), their arrival at the pilot boarding station was also 0630H, same as ours. So, four ships were arriving at the same time. How would the pilot deal on this? I called Rio Pilots and advised our ETA to the pilot boarding station and also asked which of us would be boarded first. The reply was on first come first serve basis, so whichever ship to arrive first at the station will be boarded first. I called the engine control room and request for two more engines and when Captain came up to the bridge I already
have all four engines running then I explained to him the situation. Eventually, we arrived at the pilot station first, beating the other three cruise ships, but only to be told to reduce speed and that we were the last one to be boarded. No comment...my mouth is sealed off...so disappointing.
I was strolling alone around downtown area today, particularly at Avenida Rio Branco and Avenida Presidente Vargas, just to do some walking exercise and at the same time to see Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's best-known city. Colonial churches and museums are located in this area. Unfortunately, today is Saturday, the museums are closed. Several old buildings with remarkable architectural designs lined along the streets yielding a contrasting view side by side with modern buildings. This beautiful colonial church at the top most photo is the Church of Our Lady of Candelaria or Iglesia Candelaria, one of Brazil's tourist attractions. It is the flagship church of Rio de Janeiro and stands amidst newer buildings. Before I forgot, Rio has few Mc Donald's. I found three here and in fact I had my lunch with the one along Avenida Rio Branco. For 16 Reais, I had a meaty (healthy???) hamburger, French fries and a large Coke. Don't ask me about the thing which is most popular in Europe as "red light district". I certainly won't be in that place. The city is beautiful and has its own unique character compared to other cities in Brazil that I visited. Tomorrow, I will be a tour escort and it would be up to the overlooking giant statue of Christ, atop Corcovado mountain. Knows as Christ the Redeemer ('Cristo Redentor') and names one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
I was navigating the ship as we approach Rio de Janeiro today and checking on the radar, three other cruise ships, one on my port side and two on my starboard side, were also heading towards Rio Pilot Station. Checking on the AIS (Automatic Identification System), their arrival at the pilot boarding station was also 0630H, same as ours. So, four ships were arriving at the same time. How would the pilot deal on this? I called Rio Pilots and advised our ETA to the pilot boarding station and also asked which of us would be boarded first. The reply was on first come first serve basis, so whichever ship to arrive first at the station will be boarded first. I called the engine control room and request for two more engines and when Captain came up to the bridge I already
I was strolling alone around downtown area today, particularly at Avenida Rio Branco and Avenida Presidente Vargas, just to do some walking exercise and at the same time to see Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's best-known city. Colonial churches and museums are located in this area. Unfortunately, today is Saturday, the museums are closed. Several old buildings with remarkable architectural designs lined along the streets yielding a contrasting view side by side with modern buildings. This beautiful colonial church at the top most photo is the Church of Our Lady of Candelaria or Iglesia Candelaria, one of Brazil's tourist attractions. It is the flagship church of Rio de Janeiro and stands amidst newer buildings. Before I forgot, Rio has few Mc Donald's. I found three here and in fact I had my lunch with the one along Avenida Rio Branco. For 16 Reais, I had a meaty (healthy???) hamburger, French fries and a large Coke. Don't ask me about the thing which is most popular in Europe as "red light district". I certainly won't be in that place.
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